The Maya Indian Civilization flourished from 250AD to 900AD; this is known as history's Classic Period; there were as many as one-million Maya Indians in Belize.

Between the Classic Period and Post-Classic Period the Maya Empire split into separate conflicting "City States," just like the Roman Empire, lasting until the Spanish Colonial Period in the early 1600's. Though not known why, there are many different reasons this split could have happened, such as, over population, a revolt, disease or drought. However, there is evidence that there was over population.

Unlike the Inca or the Aztecs, the Maya did not have one capital city that the Spanish could overthrow and cripple the entire Empire. The Spanish had many separate "City States" to conquer because the empire had split 700 years prior. The last Mayan city state of Zacpeten was finally overthrown by the Spanish in 1697.

The Maya had mathematics with a base 20 and base 5 numbering system just like math today. They had a numeral system similar to Morse Code, made of dots and dashes, however, the dots are on top of dashes. One dot was the number One (1), number Five (5) was a dash, number Six (6) would be a dot on top of a dash and the number Ten (10) would be two dashes, one on top of the other, resembling an equal sign.

The Maya had measured the length of the solar year to a high degree of accuracy. It has been discovered this was far more accurate than that used in Europe as the basis of the Gregorian Calender.

Today, in Southern Belize, there remains a little known cave system that stretches deep into the neighboring country of Guatemala. The Mayan Indians used these caves for travel, sacrificial and religious purposes.

To this day old Maya pottery, axes and skeletons can still be found deep in some of the Mayan caves in Belize. There have been reports of Mayan "spirits hauntings" in some caves: cameras and lanterns (even) stop working.

If you are ever in a cave and your lantern goes out, the light of a candle, lighter or match is enough to light the whole cave. Be sure and take a back up light, no matter when or where you explore a cave!

If you ever need help while in a cave 'calling' is ones best option because ones voice can travel more then a mile inside a cave.

When caving, take water, however, one does not need as much once in a cave because it is about 20 degrees cooler inside. It is not recommended to drink cave water because of sanitation purposes.

Sadly, many Mayan caves in Belize have been looted of precious artifacts. The current Government has enacted strict laws to protect Belizes' rich heritage. Anyone caught with Mayan artifacts will be severely prosecuted!

Anything one might find in, on or around the Maya Ruins and caves is for the enjoyment of all, so, please, take nothing but photos.

Modern day Maya Indians do not build temples and palaces like their ancestors. However, they keep traditions alive with their food, art and language. The Mayan people are soft spoken, kind and warm hearted.

Small Mayan Indian villages are scattered throughout Belize. A visit to one of these villages will be a memory of a lifetime!

pirate flags birthstone rings